Background
Democratic governance is a concept that emerged from the principles that are based on the understanding that an effective system of democratic governance is one which is based on representative, equitable (across gender and other categories), transparent, accountable and inclusive institutions; a vibrant, responsible and capable media; and a dynamic civil society which is engaged in the political process. The overall goal of the Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) Project in Nigeria is to help develop the capacity of national and sub-national institutions, networks and processes, whether governmental or non-governmental, as a contribution to the further entrenchment of democratic governance in Nigeria. Efforts on the electoral cycle reinforce national efforts to build the norms, practices, mechanisms and institutions that can foster active citizenship and stronger democratic accountability, in keeping with the stated objectives of Government policy. The project provides technical assistance to the Electoral Institute of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs). In addition, the project works with civil society and other democratic institutions like media, political parties and national and state parliaments to help them maximize public participation and confidence in the outcome of elections. The project primarily provides technical assistance and financing for capacity development linked to practical outcomes in a number of areas: legislature, civil society, media, gender equality in politics and the engagement of youth.
Nigerian has a vibrant media which has been in existence for 150 years. There are public and private or independent media institutions operating in Nigeria cutting across both print and electronic platforms. Nigerian media as the Fourth Estate of the realm has a key role to play in educating and informing Nigerian electorates on the electoral process, legal regimes for elections, party and candidate campaigns, voter registration, imperative of violence-free polls, promotion of transparency and accountability in government and generally ensuring that Nigerian populace are kept abreast of happenings in the country, especially in the electoral process.
Nigeria’s next general elections are due in April 2011. The Media has a key role in ensuring that citizens participate in the electoral process and that its outcomes are credible and acceptable to the generality of the populace. In a bid to strengthen the effectiveness of mass media in promoting balanced, conflict sensitive reporting, a well informed citizenry, series of media related activities will be implemented. These include the conduct of trainings for journalists in the five geo political zones, monthly editors forum and media campaign for voter education. The Programme Management Unit requires the services a Workshop Coordinator to provide support for the implementation of these activities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Function / Expected Results
- Coordinate smooth implementation of the workshops on training of journalists, training of politicians on media skills and monthly Media Owners and Editors Fora, :
Specifically, the Coordinator will undertake the following tasks:
- Organize, coordinate and manage workshop activities, including development of participants list, workshop materials and agenda in consultation with workshop facilitators and DGD
- Follow up on the progress of the roll out of the training and workshop(s) activities and support DGD staff to provide timely and relevant information to the relevant institutions on the project as may be required;
- Support DGD staff to ensure performance planning, monitoring and appraisal of the effectiveness of the workshops including following up on submission of situational reports by workshop facilitators
- Communicate with relevant organizations and networks to ensure adequate participants representation across gender and required states at zonal training.
- Contact media houses and follow up in placement of radio and television jingles for media campaign for voter education;
- Monitor the broadcast of the jingles on national, regional and state radio and television stations and develop and analyse performance matrix
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism
Media Support and Liaison:
- Good work experience in relation to elections;
- Excellent liaison and inter-personal skills;
- Demonstrated nation-wide contacts with the media
Development and Operational Effectiveness:
- Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
- Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
- Computer skills: Proficiency in MS Office Suite
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- University degree in Mass Communication or related field.
Experience:
- At least three years of progressive professional experience in the media.
- Familiarity with Nigerian media scene
- Experience of work with International Organization an advantage
Language Requirement:
- Strong skills in written communications in English;
- Excellent spoken English is also required.